Drug Addiction: Definition, Type, Causes, Symptoms, Effect, Treatment and Recovery

Drug addiction is a condition where a person becomes dependent on a substance, leading to compulsive use despite harmful consequences. It affects brain function and behavior, making it difficult to stop using drugs even when they cause severe physical, mental, and social harm.

The main types of drug addiction include opioid addiction, stimulant addiction, depressant addiction, and hallucinogen addiction. Opioids like heroin and prescription painkillers lead to severe dependence, while stimulants such as cocaine and methamphetamine cause intense cravings and erratic behavior. Depressants, including benzodiazepines and alcohol, slow brain activity and create strong withdrawal symptoms. Hallucinogens like LSD and PCP alter perception and reality, leading to unpredictable effects.

The main causes of drug addiction involve genetic, environmental, and psychological factors. Genetics play a role in addiction risk, especially when there is a family history of substance abuse. Environmental influences, such as peer pressure, trauma, and exposure to drugs at a young age, increase vulnerability. Psychological factors, including stress, depression, and anxiety, contribute to self-medicating behaviors that lead to addiction.

The symptoms of drug addiction include cravings, loss of control, withdrawal symptoms, and continued drug use despite negative consequences. Physical signs like weight loss, poor hygiene, and changes in sleep patterns are common. Behavioral symptoms include secrecy, neglect of responsibilities, and risky behavior to obtain drugs. Psychological effects range from mood swings and paranoia to severe anxiety and depression.

The effects of drug addiction impact physical health, mental well-being, and social stability. Physically, drug use causes organ damage, weakened immunity, and overdose risk. Mentally, addiction leads to cognitive impairment, depression, and increased suicide risk. Social consequences include broken relationships, job loss, financial struggles, and legal issues.

The treatment options for drug addiction include detoxification, behavioral therapy, medication-assisted treatment, and support groups. Detox helps remove drugs from the body, while therapy, such as cognitive-behavioral therapy, addresses psychological triggers. Medications like methadone or buprenorphine assist in opioid recovery, and peer support groups provide encouragement.

The main long-term recovery strategies focus on relapse prevention, lifestyle changes, and ongoing support. Over two-thirds of people relapse within weeks of beginning treatment, and 40-60% relapse within a month of completing inpatient rehab. Only 15-20% remain clean after one year. However, after five years of sobriety, relapse risk drops to 7.2%, as noted by McQuaid & Malik (2017) in the study “Life in Recovery from Addiction in Canada: Technical Report.”

What Is Drug Addiction?

Drug addiction is a chronic disease that disrupts brain function, leading to compulsive substance use and loss of control. It affects decision-making, emotional regulation, and behavior, making it difficult for individuals to stop using even when they face severe consequences.

This condition is a widespread public health crisis in both California and the United States. In 2021, there were 10,898 drug-related overdose deaths in California, with an age-adjusted rate of 26.8 deaths per 100,000 residents, as reported by the California Department of Public Health in their “Opioid-Related Overdose Deaths in California, 2021” data brief. Nationally, over 70,000 of the 106,000 drug overdose deaths in the U.S. that year involved fentanyl, underscoring the severity of the crisis.

Why Do People Get Addicted to Drugs?

People get addicted to drugs because substances alter brain chemistry, leading to dependence and compulsive behavior. The brain’s reward system is overstimulated by drugs, flooding it with dopamine and reinforcing continued use. Over time, this process makes it difficult to experience pleasure from natural rewards, driving repeated substance use.

Genetics also play a major role, accounting for 40-60% of a person’s susceptibility to addiction. A family history of substance use increases the likelihood of developing a substance use disorder, highlighting the biological influence on addiction risk, as noted by Volkow (2024) in the study “Drugs, Brains, and Behavior: The Science of Addiction.”

Environmental factors further contribute to addiction, including early drug exposure, peer pressure, and mental health disorders. Individuals who start using drugs at a young age or lack family support are more likely to struggle with long-term substance dependence. Chronic drug use also changes brain function over time, impairing focus, memory, and decision-making, which reinforces addictive behaviors.

Is Drug Abuse and Drug Addiction the Same?

No, drug abuse and drug addiction are not the same. Drug abuse refers to the misuse of substances in ways that cause harm, such as taking higher doses than prescribed or using illegal drugs recreationally. Drug addiction is a chronic disorder marked by compulsive drug seeking and use despite harmful consequences. Addiction changes brain function, making it difficult to stop using the substance, even when the person wants to quit. As noted by Volkow, Koob, and McLellan (2016) in the study “Neurobiologic Advances from the Brain Disease Model of Addiction,” brain imaging shows that addiction alters areas involved in judgment, decision-making, and impulse control.

What Are the Types of Drug Addiction?

The types of drug addiction are alcohol addiction, opioid addiction, stimulant addiction, sedative addiction, hallucinogen addiction, mood-regulating drug addiction, inhalant addiction, nicotine addiction, and marijuana addiction. These addictions develop due to repeated substance use, which alters brain function and leads to dependence. As noted by Volkow (2024) in the study “Drugs, Brains, and Behavior: The Science of Addiction,” addictive substances trigger dopamine release in the brain’s reward system, producing a response ten times stronger than natural rewards.

Alcohol Addiction

Alcohol addiction is a dependence on alcoholic beverages such as beer, wine, and spirits, leading to compulsive drinking and withdrawal symptoms when not consuming alcohol. The most severe form is alcohol use disorder, which affects millions worldwide. According to Volkow (2024), alcohol use disorder impacts about 10% of individuals aged 12 or older in the United States.

Opioid Addiction

Opioid addiction is a reliance on substances like heroin, prescription painkillers, and synthetic opioids, which alter the brain’s pain and reward systems. These drugs lead to tolerance, requiring higher doses to achieve the same effect, increasing the risk of overdose and physical dependence and opioid addiction. A 2025 study analyzing data from SAMHSA revealed that marijuana remained the most used drug among teens, with 2.9 million users in 2023. The study also found that opioid misuse, particularly fentanyl, increased significantly, with 574,000 teen users (New York Post, 2025)

Cocaine (Stimulant) Addiction

Stimulant addiction results from the misuse of substances such as cocaine, amphetamines, and methamphetamine. These drugs increase dopamine levels, leading to intense euphoria, increased energy, and alertness. Cocaine addiction causes severe cardiovascular and neurological damage. According to 2021 NSDUH data, 1.9% of individuals aged 12 or older (5.2 million people) reported using cocaine in the past year. This includes 5.0% (1.7 million) of young adults aged 18-25, 1.7% (3.7 million) of adults aged 26 and older, and 0.2% (55,000) of adolescents aged 12-17 (SAMHSA, 2021)

Sedative Addiction

Sedative addiction occurs when individuals misuse depressants like benzodiazepines and barbiturates, which slow brain activity and induce relaxation. Prolonged use alters brain chemistry and results in dangerous withdrawal symptoms, including seizures and extreme anxiety. As noted by Volkow (2024), sedative misuse makes withdrawal particularly challenging and increases relapse risks.

Hallucinogen Addiction

Hallucinogen addiction is the psychological dependence on substances like LSD, psilocybin mushrooms, and PCP, which distort perception and cognition. While not as physically addictive as other substances, frequent use leads to persistent psychological dependence and altered brain function. The 2021 NSDUH reported that 3.6% of individuals aged 12 or older (10.6 million people) used hallucinogens in the past year. This includes 8.1% (2.7 million) of young adults aged 18-25, 3.0% (6.6 million) of adults 26 and older, and 2.0% (521,000) of adolescents aged 12-17 (SAMHSA, 2021)

Mood-Regulating Drug Addiction

Mood-regulating drug addiction is the misuse of medications like antidepressants, antipsychotics, and mood stabilizers, leading to dependency and withdrawal symptoms. While these drugs are prescribed for mental health conditions, excessive use disrupts brain chemistry and increases relapse risk. According to Volkow (2024), the misuse of mood-regulating drugs contributes to long-term mental health instability.

Inhalant Addiction

Inhalant addiction is the misuse of household substances such as paint thinners, glue, and aerosol sprays, which produce short-term psychoactive effects. This form of substance use is especially dangerous due to the risk of sudden death from heart failure and severe brain and organ damage. 

Nicotine/Tobacco Addiction

Nicotine addiction is a compulsive dependence on tobacco products like cigarettes, cigars, and vaping devices, which alter brain chemistry and reinforce compulsive use despite known health risks. Strong withdrawal symptoms and high relapse rates make nicotine one of the hardest addictions to overcome. The 2021 NSDUH found that 3.4% of adolescents aged 12-17 reported vaping nicotine in the past month, while 1.3% reported vaping marijuana. Additionally, 1.1% vaped flavored substances without nicotine or marijuana.

Marijuana Addiction

Marijuana addiction is a dependence on cannabis, including marijuana and THC concentrates, which impair cognitive function and increase the risk of psychiatric disorders. While some argue marijuana addiction is a misconception , regular use leads to withdrawal symptoms and psychological dependence, particularly in younger users. According to the 2021 National Survey on Drug Use and Health (NSDUH) by the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA), 18.7% of individuals aged 12 or older (52.5 million people) reported using marijuana in the past year (SAMHSA, 2021). 

What Are the Causes of Drug Addiction?

The causes of drug addiction are genetic factors, biological factors, environmental factors, mental health disorders, and chronic drug use. These factors contribute to the development of addiction by altering brain function, increasing vulnerability, and reinforcing compulsive substance use. According to Koob and Volkow (2016) in the study “Neurobiology of Addiction: A Neurocircuitry Analysis,” genetic factors account for 40-60% of an individual’s risk for drug addiction, and chronic drug use leads to neuroplastic changes in brain regions responsible for impulse control and decision-making.

Common causes of drug addiction are given below:

• Genetic factors: Inherited traits influence a person’s likelihood of developing drug addiction, with genetics accounting for up to 60% of addiction risk according to NIDA. Individuals with a family history of addiction are more vulnerable to substance dependence.
• Biological factors: Changes in the brain’s reward system contribute to drug addiction. Dopamine release in the nucleus accumbens increases by 100-1000% with drug use, making substances more rewarding than natural behaviors, according to Volkow, Wang, Fowler, and Tomasi (2012) in “Addiction: Beyond Dopamine Reward Circuitry.” Chronic drug use reduces dopamine receptor availability, leading to dependence.
• Environmental factors: Peer pressure, early exposure to drugs, trauma, and socioeconomic conditions increase the likelihood of drug addiction. Individuals in high-risk environments with easy access to substances are more likely to develop dependence.
• Mental health disorders: Conditions such as depression, anxiety, and PTSD increase susceptibility to drug addiction. People with untreated mental health issues use drugs to self-medicate, reinforcing substance dependence. According to the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (2024) in the study “Highlights for the 2023 National Survey on Drug Use and Health,” 20.4 million American adults suffered from both a mental health disorder and a substance use disorder in the past year.
• Chronic drug use: Long-term substance use alters brain circuits involved in impulse control and decision-making. As tolerance builds, individuals require higher doses to achieve the same effects, increasing the risk of addiction.
• Neurocircuitry changes: Drug addiction affects the basal ganglia, extended amygdala, and prefrontal cortex, impairing judgment and impulse control. These brain changes make quitting difficult and increase relapse risks. Koob and Volkow (2016) explain that relapse rates for drug addiction range from 40-60%, similar to other chronic diseases.

What Are Signs and Symptoms of Drug Addiction?

The signs and symptoms of drug addiction include physical symptoms, psychological symptoms, and behavioral signs. These symptoms indicate the presence of addiction by affecting a person’s body, mind, and actions. Physical symptoms include changes in appearance and health, while psychological symptoms involve mood and cognitive disturbances. Behavioral signs reflect compulsive drug-seeking and difficulties in daily life. According to Hatoum et al. (2023) in the study “Shared Genetic Basis Between Substance Use Disorders and Psychiatric Disorders,” genetic variations affecting dopamine signaling regulation contribute to addiction risk, reinforcing compulsive substance use.

The symptoms of drug addiction are given below:

Physical Symptoms

• Weight Changes: Sudden weight loss occurs with stimulants like cocaine and methamphetamine, while weight gain happens with depressants such as alcohol and marijuana.
• Pupil Dilation: Enlarged pupils indicate stimulant use (cocaine, meth, Adderall), while pinpoint pupils suggest opioid use (heroin, oxycodone, fentanyl).
• Poor Hygiene: Neglect of personal care, including unwashed clothes and body odor, is common in cases of severe substance use disorder across various drugs.
• Frequent Illness: Lowered immunity from long-term alcohol and opioid use leads to frequent colds, infections, and poor health.
• Sleep Disturbances: Insomnia is common with stimulants like methamphetamine and cocaine, while excessive drowsiness occurs with opioids and benzodiazepines.
• Tremors or Seizures: Alcohol withdrawal can cause tremors, while benzodiazepine withdrawal may lead to life-threatening seizures.
• Skin Sores or Track Marks: Heroin, methamphetamine, and other injectable drugs leave visible injection marks, sores, or abscesses on the skin.

Psychological Symptoms

• Mood Swings: Unpredictable emotions, including extreme highs and lows, are frequent with stimulant and hallucinogen use.
• Paranoia: Cocaine, methamphetamine, and marijuana (especially high-THC strains) can trigger irrational fears and suspicion.
• Depression: Prolonged opioid, alcohol, and stimulant misuse leads to persistent sadness and hopelessness.
• Anxiety: Panic attacks and intense worry often result from stimulant withdrawal (Adderall, cocaine) or chronic cannabis use.
• Memory Loss: Alcohol and benzodiazepine misuse contribute to blackouts and long-term cognitive impairment.
• Hallucinations: Seeing or hearing things that aren’t real occurs with hallucinogens like LSD, psilocybin (mushrooms), and PCP, as well as high doses of stimulants.
• Cognitive Impairment: Poor concentration and confusion are common with chronic marijuana, alcohol, and inhalant use. Hasin et al. (2024) explain that 80% of individuals with substance use disorders also have at least one co-occurring mental health disorder, highlighting the link between drug addiction and psychological distress.

Behavioral Signs

• Secretive Behavior: Hiding drug use, lying, or avoiding loved ones is common across all substance use disorders.
• Neglecting Responsibilities: Work, school, and household duties are ignored due to alcohol, opioid, or stimulant dependence.
• Financial Problems: Spending excessive money on drugs like heroin, cocaine, and prescription medications leads to debt and borrowing.
• Legal Issues: Arrests or legal trouble arise from drug possession, DUIs, or crimes related to drug-seeking behavior.
• Risky Activities: Driving under the influence is common with alcohol, while risky sexual behavior is linked to stimulant and club drug use.
• Loss of Interest: Hobbies and social activities are abandoned in favor of substances like heroin, alcohol, and methamphetamine.
• Compulsive Drug-Seeking: An inability to stop using drugs despite negative consequences is a key sign of addiction. Hatoum et al. (2023) explain that genetic variations affecting dopamine signaling regulation play a central role in addiction risk across multiple substance use disorders.

What Are the Effects of Drug Addiction?

The effects of drug addiction are physical damage, mental health deterioration, social consequences, and long-term health risks. Drug addiction affects the body and brain, leading to immediate impairments and long-term complications. Short-term effects include altered judgment, coordination issues, and dangerous behaviors, while long-term effects involve chronic disease, cognitive decline, and social instability. As noted by Degenhardt et al. (2018) in the study “The Global Burden of Disease Attributable to Alcohol and Drug Use in 195 Countries and Territories, 1990–2016,” substance use disorders accounted for 131.8 million disability-adjusted life years (DALYs) worldwide, highlighting the global burden of drug addiction on health and society.

The effects of drug addiction are given below:

Short-Term Effects of Drug Addiction

• Impaired Judgment: Poor decision-making increases risky behaviors and accidents, common with alcohol, marijuana, and hallucinogens.
• Drowsiness or Hyperactivity: Stimulants like cocaine and methamphetamine cause excessive energy, while depressants like opioids and benzodiazepines slow bodily functions.
• Nausea and Vomiting: Opioids, alcohol, and hallucinogens often cause gastrointestinal distress, leading to dehydration.
• Increased Heart Rate: Stimulants such as cocaine, methamphetamine, and MDMA raise blood pressure and heart rate, increasing stroke risk.
• Memory Loss: Alcohol and benzodiazepines cause blackouts and short-term memory impairment.
• Hallucinations: LSD, psilocybin (mushrooms), PCP, and high doses of stimulants like methamphetamine cause visual and auditory hallucinations.
• Coordination Problems: Alcohol, benzodiazepines, and inhalants slow reflexes and cause dizziness, leading to falls and injuries.
• Anxiety or Paranoia: Stimulants like Adderall and methamphetamine, as well as high-potency marijuana, can trigger intense fear or panic attacks.
• Overdose Risk: High doses of opioids, alcohol, benzodiazepines, and stimulants can cause respiratory failure, seizures, or death.
• Aggressive Behavior: Cocaine, methamphetamine, and PCP increase irritability, hostility, and violent outbursts.

Long-Term Effects of Drug Addiction

• Brain Damage: Chronic alcohol and methamphetamine use reduce gray matter volume, affecting memory and cognition.
• Chronic Diseases: Heart disease from stimulants, liver failure from alcohol, and lung damage from inhalants are common.
• Mental Health Disorders: Long-term use of cocaine, opioids, and marijuana contributes to depression, anxiety, and psychosis.
• Weakened Immune System: Frequent illness occurs with opioid, alcohol, and methamphetamine misuse due to damage to the body’s defense mechanisms.
• Tolerance and Dependence: Higher doses of opioids, benzodiazepines, and stimulants are needed to achieve the same effect, increasing addiction severity.
• Financial Instability: Job loss and excessive spending on heroin, cocaine, and prescription opioids lead to long-term financial issues.
• Legal Consequences: Criminal activity, arrests, and DUIs are common due to drug-related offenses, particularly with alcohol, cocaine, and heroin.
• Social Isolation: Relationships deteriorate due to addiction, especially with substances like heroin and methamphetamine.
• Increased Risk of Overdose: Long-term opioid and benzodiazepine use makes individuals more susceptible to fatal overdoses.
• Higher Mortality Rates: From 1990 to 2016, deaths from drug addiction increased by 160% globally, according to Degenhardt et al. (2018).

How Is Drug Addiction Diagnosed?

Drug addiction is diagnosed through behavioral assessments, medical history evaluations, and screenings. Healthcare providers assess symptoms using standardized criteria, including compulsive drug use, withdrawal symptoms, and loss of control. Medical professionals review an individual’s history of substance use, physical health complications, and psychiatric disorders. Screening tools, such as urine tests and psychological evaluations, help confirm a diagnosis. Degenhardt et al. (2018) explains that drug addiction significantly impacts global health, making accurate diagnosis important for effective treatment.

What Are the Treatments for Drug Addiction?

The treatments for drug addiction are detox, inpatient and outpatient treatment, behavioral therapies, medication-assisted treatment, and aftercare programs. These treatments help individuals overcome addiction by addressing withdrawal symptoms, modifying behavior, and providing long-term support. As noted by Prendergast et al. (2002) in the study “The Effectiveness of Drug Abuse Treatment: A Meta-Analysis of Comparison Group Studies,” drug treatment significantly reduces both drug use and crime, with higher effectiveness observed in well-implemented programs.

The treatments for drug addiction are given below:

Detox

Detox is the process of removing drugs from the body under medical supervision. It includes medication to manage withdrawal symptoms, hydration support, and monitoring for complications. Detox is helpful for drug addiction because it stabilizes individuals and prepares them for further treatment without the immediate effects of substance dependence. Drugs that require detox include opioids (heroin, oxycodone, fentanyl), alcohol, benzodiazepines (Xanax, Valium), and barbiturates, as withdrawal from these substances is life-threatening without medical supervision.

Inpatient and Outpatient Treatment

Inpatient treatment involves living in a rehabilitation facility for intensive care, while outpatient treatment allows individuals to attend therapy while living at home. Inpatient care provides a structured environment for severe addiction, while outpatient programs offer flexibility for those with milder cases.

Behavioral Therapies

Behavioral therapies include cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT), contingency management, and motivational interviewing. These therapies help individuals recognize and change harmful thought patterns related to drug addiction. Prendergast et al. (2002) explain that treatments with strong theoretical frameworks show improved outcomes in reducing substance use.

Medication-Assisted Treatment

Medication-assisted treatment (MAT) combines behavioral therapy with medications such as methadone, buprenorphine, or naltrexone. These medications reduce cravings and withdrawal symptoms, making recovery more manageable. MAT is effective for opioid addiction and other substance use disorders when combined with counseling.

Aftercare Programs

Aftercare programs provide continued support after formal treatment, including relapse prevention counseling, 12-step programs, and sober living homes. Long-term support helps individuals maintain sobriety and reintegrate into society. Prendergast et al. (2002) highlight that low treatment dropout rates improve long-term success in drug addiction recovery.

How to Maintain Long-Term Recovery from Drug Addiction?

To maintain long-term recovery from drug addiction requires commitment, lifestyle changes, and ongoing support. Recovery does not end after initial treatment; it is a continuous process that involves avoiding triggers, managing stress, and building a strong support system. Without the right strategies, individuals face a higher risk of relapse, making it important to incorporate long-term recovery techniques into daily life.

How to maintain long-term recovery from drug addiction is given below:

• Engage in ongoing therapy: Continued participation in individual or group therapy helps address underlying emotional and psychological issues related to drug addiction. Cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT) and relapse prevention strategies improve long-term success.
• Build a strong support network: Maintaining relationships with supportive family, friends, or recovery groups like Narcotics Anonymous (NA) provides encouragement and accountability. Social connections reduce isolation and the risk of relapse.
• Adopt healthy lifestyle habits: Regular exercise, a balanced diet, and proper sleep improve mental and physical well-being. A healthy routine supports brain recovery and reduces triggers linked to drug addiction. 
• Identify and manage triggers: Recognizing situations, people, or emotions that lead to cravings helps individuals develop coping strategies. Avoiding high-risk environments reduces the likelihood of relapse.
• Stay involved in aftercare programs: Participation in sober living homes, 12-step programs, or outpatient counseling reinforces recovery. Ongoing care provides structure and long-term motivation to maintain sobriety.
• Practice stress management techniques: Meditation, mindfulness, and relaxation exercises help reduce stress and emotional triggers associated with drug addiction. Stress management lowers the risk of turning to substances for relief.

Is Relapse Common During Recovery from Drug Addiction?

Yes, relapse is common during recovery from drug addiction. Relapse occurs because drug addiction causes long-term changes in brain function, making it difficult to resist cravings. The first reason is brain chemistry changes, as chronic substance use alters dopamine pathways, reducing impulse control and increasing compulsive drug-seeking behavior. The second reason is emotional and environmental triggers, where stress, negative emotions, or exposure to drug-related settings lead to relapse. The third reason is a lack of continued support, as individuals without therapy, peer encouragement, or structured aftercare struggle to maintain long-term sobriety. 

According to Dennis, Foss, and Scott (2007) in the study “An Eight-Year Perspective on the Relationship Between the Duration of Abstinence and Other Aspects of Recovery” published in Evaluation Review, individuals who participated in aftercare programs had a 20% higher rate of maintaining long-term sobriety. The study also found that after one year of abstinence, the chance of relapse was 50%, but after five years, it dropped to 15%, highlighting the importance of structured support in preventing relapse.

Is Drug Addiction a Disease?

Yes, drug addiction is a disease. Drug addiction is classified as a chronic, relapsing medical condition that affects brain function and behavior, similar to other chronic illnesses like diabetes and hypertension. Like other chronic diseases, drug addiction has high relapse rates, with 40-60% of individuals experiencing relapse after treatment, as noted by McLellan et al. (2000) in the study “Drug Dependence, a Chronic Medical Illness: Implications for Treatment, Insurance, and Outcomes Evaluation”. Relapse rates for drug addiction are comparable to those of hypertension and asthma, reinforcing its classification as a disease requiring long-term treatment and management. Genetic factors contribute to 40-60% of a person’s vulnerability to addiction, making some individuals more susceptible than others.

What Drugs Cause Withdrawal Symptoms?

Drugs that cause withdrawal symptoms include opioids, alcohol, benzodiazepines, stimulants, and nicotine. These substances alter brain chemistry, leading to physical dependence and withdrawal symptoms when use is stopped. Opioids such as heroin, oxycodone, and fentanyl cause severe withdrawal symptoms, including muscle pain, nausea, and intense cravings. Alcohol withdrawal is life-threatening, with symptoms like seizures, confusion, and high blood pressure. Benzodiazepines such as Xanax and Valium cause anxiety, tremors, and, in severe cases, seizures.

Stimulants like cocaine and methamphetamine lead to fatigue, depression, and irritability during withdrawal. Nicotine withdrawal causes cravings, mood swings, and difficulty concentrating. McLellan et al. (2000) explain that evidence-based treatments for drug addiction are underutilized, despite the severity of withdrawal symptoms and the need for medical support during detoxification.

What Are the Withdrawal Symptoms of Drug Addiction?

The withdrawal symptoms of drug addiction include restlessness, rapid heart rate, trembling, high blood pressure, nausea, and confusion. These symptoms occur because prolonged substance use alters brain chemistry, leading to physical and psychological dependence. Withdrawal symptoms begin within 24 hours of stopping drug use and peak within the first 48 hours. Severe cases, such as alcohol or benzodiazepine withdrawal, result in delirium tremens (DTs), which appear 48 to 72 hours after the last dose.

The duration of withdrawal varies depending on the substance, lasting between 7 to 10 days in most cases. As noted by Hoffman (2007) in the study “Withdrawal Syndromes,” short-acting opioids cause withdrawal symptoms within 8 to 24 hours of last use, while benzodiazepine withdrawal symptoms persist for up to 12 months in 10-25% of users, highlighting the need for proper medical management during detoxification.

Can You Die from Drug Withdrawal?

Yes, you can die from drug withdrawal. While most withdrawal symptoms are not life-threatening, severe cases result in fatal complications, particularly with opioid, alcohol, and benzodiazepine withdrawal. Deaths during opioid withdrawal occur due to severe dehydration caused by vomiting and diarrhea, which lead to electrolyte imbalances and organ failure. Individuals with alcohol or benzodiazepine dependence face life-threatening risks such as seizures and delirium tremens (DTs), which cause cardiac arrest or respiratory failure.

As noted by Darke, Larney, and Farrell (2017) in the study “Yes, People Can Die from Opiate Withdrawal,” a U.S. review of 15 years of jail deaths found that withdrawal accounted for 1.2% of deaths in jail, due to untreated medical conditions worsened by withdrawal. Proper medical supervision and withdrawal management significantly reduce these risks, emphasizing the need for medical detox programs for individuals experiencing severe drug withdrawal.